As you might expect from a library director’s daughter, this week’s author grew up surrounded by books. She now writes surrounded by greyhounds – Ed, Myrtle & Lillian.
I’m not sure what the connection between the two is, but it works – author #33 is a bestseller of psychological suspense.
(Maybe the dogs provide editing and proofreading services? )
Good people of the Internet, writing out of Charlotte, North Carolina – Jenifer Ruff.
Name one book:
1 – everyone should read
Night by Elie Wiesel. The horrific first-person account of survival stuck with me long after the last page. I learned something profoundly important about dignity, suffering, and the human race. It’s not about the writing, but the story being told.
2 – you would take with you if you were going to be marooned on Mars
I don’t usually reread books, so I’d pick the longest book I haven’t yet read—Game of Thrones. I just finished binge-watching the television series. I should have read the books first. Most of George Martin’s characters are living a nightmare. They might put my marooned-on-Mars situation in perspective.
3 – you took a chance on and were pleasantly surprised by
Creatures of Appetite by Todd Travis. I downloaded his independently published book for free from a promo email. I love dark thrillers and mysteries with intricate plotting and I thought his was pretty near perfect. It’s hard to believe publishers aren’t begging for his next books, and I know they’re not because at the end of the book he asks for donations so he can keep writing.
4 – you’ve written that is your favourite
5 – that has influenced you most as a person
This is the hardest question! I know which books I enjoyed the most, but did they influence my character or personality? Probably not. But a terrible, bestselling, traditionally-published book did. I won’t mention the title because it doesn’t matter and it’s only my opinion, but the book got me thinking, “If he can do this, then I sure can.” Sort of reverse inspiration. And now I’m a writer, so I should thank the book’s author and publisher for providing a bit of motivational influence.
6 – that has influenced you most as a professional
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott is one of my favorite books on writing. It’s clever, insightful. self-deprecating, hilarious, and inspirational all at once. Anyone might enjoy it, but no writer should miss it.
7 – of yours that prospective readers should start with if they want to get to know your work and where they can get it.
Only Wrong Once. It will be discounted through most of October. I started writing it two years ago, but recent terrorist attacks and national policies have made it even more relevant, which really escalates the fear factor. All my books have a dark edge, but this one is frightening because it’s realistic.
You can find Jenifer at: www.jenruff.com
Jenifer Ruff is the author of psychological suspense books and an avid fitness enthusiast and hiker. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her family and a pack of greyhounds.
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